With Indicating Means Patents (Class 337/265)
  • Patent number: 10847335
    Abstract: A disc fuse including an electrically insulating substrate having a via formed therethrough extending between a first surface and a second surface of the substrate, an electrically conductive first terminal disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and an electrically conductive second terminal disposed on the second surface of the substrate, the second terminal including an outer portion having an inner edge defining a through-hole in the second terminal, the second terminal further including a fuse portion extending from the inner edge, the fuse portion comprising a fusible element terminating in a contact pad, wherein the substrate provides an electrically insulating barrier between the first terminal and the second terminal and wherein the via provides an electrical connection between the first terminal and the contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc
    Inventors: Maria Lily E. Rosios, Albert Enriquez, Todd Dietsch, Werner Johler
  • Patent number: 10748729
    Abstract: A compact fusible disconnect switch device having a reduced switch housing size and increased power density is configured to be face mounted to a panel. A fuse cover assembly allows installation and removal of a fuse without having to open the panel. Line-side and load-side terminals are provided on a common side of the housing. In-line mechanical ganging and simultaneous application is provided for combinations of the compact fusible disconnect switch devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Tyler John Neyens, Patrick Alexander von zur Muehlen, Matthew Rain Darr, Shungang Su, Jessica Ann Dunker
  • Patent number: 10573480
    Abstract: A disc fuse including an electrically insulating substrate having a via formed therethrough extending between a first surface and a second surface of the substrate, an electrically conductive first terminal disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and an electrically conductive second terminal disposed on the second surface of the substrate, the second terminal including an outer portion having an inner edge defining a through-hole in the second terminal, the second terminal further including a fuse portion extending from the inner edge, the fuse portion comprising a fusible element terminating in a contact pad, wherein the substrate provides an electrically insulating barrier between the first terminal and the second terminal and wherein the via provides an electrical connection between the first terminal and the contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Maria Lily E. Rosios, Albert Enriquez, Todd Dietsch, Werner Johler
  • Patent number: 10250002
    Abstract: An electric connection block is provided with a bus bar formed from a press-formed product of a metal plate member and a resin-made housing insert molded integrally with the bus bar. The bus bar is provided with a flat plate-shaped main plate part and a standing terminal erected by bending a base end connected to a portion of the main plate part relative to the main plate part. The electric connection block is manufactured by insert molding the housing integrally with the bus bar in a before-bending state where the standing terminal is located on the same plane as the main plate part, and bending the base end of the standing terminal to thereby erect the standing terminal relative to the main plate part after the insert molding of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ishikawa, Naoto Taguchi
  • Patent number: 8686596
    Abstract: A fuse box system and method providing for visual and/or remote sensing of interrupted fusing elements is disclosed. The system incorporates LEDs and/or remote sensing apparatus to permit indication of a “blown” fuse and/or circuit protection breaker. This system may be configured for both polarized and/or non-polarized applications and generally provides for indicator illumination when a fuse/breaker is blown. Some preferred embodiments may incorporate current sourcing technologies to permit operation of the system over wide range of system voltages, as well as provisions for wired and/or RF/wireless interrogation of the fuse/breaker status. Alternate embodiments including systems/methods to permit remote sensing of fuse status and/or circuit current monitoring, and may be retrofit within existing fuse/breaker panel systems in some configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Roy Allen Huss, Jerry Anthony Dufour, Kevin Mark Klughart
  • Patent number: 8493170
    Abstract: The invention relates to an overvoltage protection device having one or more parallel-connected voltage-limiting elements which are located in one physical unit, such as varistors, diodes or means of this type configured in the form of a disc, comprising a shell apparatus in order to electrically disconnect the overvoltage-limiting elements when they are thermally overloaded, and means for indication and/or signalling of the fault state which then occurs, wherein the switching apparatus is connected via a means which can be released thermally, such as adhesive or a solder, to a connecting contact of the at least one overvoltage-limiting element, and/or to an external terminal contact or plug contact. According to the invention, the switching apparatus is in the form of a solid U-shaped switching fork, the fork tines of which run essentially parallel to the side surfaces of the overvoltage-limiting element, holding the latter in the space between the tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: DEHN + SÖHNE GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Edmund Zäuner, Richard Daum, Helmut Hirschmann
  • Patent number: 8421579
    Abstract: A current protection device includes stacking first substrate, support layer, circuit layer, and second substrate. The surface of the first substrate attached to the support layer is an arrangement surface, and the surface of the second substrate attached to the circuit layer is a contact surface. The contact surface has a second recess, and the arrangement surface selectively has a first recess. The recesses serve to release pressure and to ensure the circuit is entirely blown by over current so as to prevent an arc effect. Besides the over current protection for electric equipment, the current protection device can be applied to light and small electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Hung-Chih Chiu
  • Patent number: 8269597
    Abstract: Fuse state indicators include temperature responsive elements adapted to visually display a number of different fuse states. The displays may include distinct colors and markings that are made visible or concealed from view based on temperature ranges that the fuse is exposed to in use. Various temperature sensitive elements and various markings are disclosed to convey at least three distinct fuse states to interested persons at the location of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime Torrez, Anthony C. Ban
  • Publication number: 20120223801
    Abstract: An automobile fuse is provided wherein short circuit of the fuse can be easily identified by naked eye through change of color when a fuse short circuits, and provides an automobile fuse manufacturing method, comprising: the fuse body material mixing step (S1) of mixing 96˜99 wt % colored plastic powder and 1˜4 wt % transparent irreversible thermochromic pigment powder to prepare a mixture material.; the fuse body molding step (S2) of melting the mixture material in an injection molding machine to mold a fuse body containing a thermochromic pigment component in an injection mold at an injection temperature of 300˜310° C. and an injection pressure of 1200˜1600 kgf/cm2; the fuse body drying step (S3) of drying the fuse body containing a thermochromic pigment component at 100˜200° C. for 3˜5 hours to reduce the water content of the fuse body to 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Hyungtai Moon
  • Patent number: 8164411
    Abstract: A fuse structure includes a casing, a fuse component and a light emitting element having pins. The casing includes a top plate, a containing space disposed below the top plate and two openings formed on the top plate. The fuse component includes two electrically conductive plates and a fuse filament, and each electrically conductive plate has a conducting portion protruded from an upper end of the electrically conductive plate, and the conducting portions are inserted into the two openings respectively. The top plate includes two compressing portions protruded from the bottom of the top plate and arranged alternately with the two conducting portions, such that an interval is formed between an external edge of each compressing portion and an internal edge of each corresponding conducting portion, and the pins of the light emitting element are clamped in the interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 8134445
    Abstract: Electrical fuse indicators, systems and methods for detecting when fuses enter an open state involve a wireless identification element, which alerts a communication unit that the fuse has entered an open state. The wireless identification device may include an antenna. The antenna may be in contact with a fuse element, such that opening of the fuse element renders the antenna inoperable. Alternatively the antenna may be connected to the fuse element in such a manner that opening of the fuse element alters the frequency on which the antenna transmits. A logic port may also be used to detect the operational state of a fuse. Use of such indicators is compatible with existing infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Doljack, Owais M. Mughal, Hundi P. Kamath, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7932805
    Abstract: A fuse includes a fuse state indicator on the exterior surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator includes an electrically conductive element electrically connected to and extending between the terminal elements. A temperature sensitive element proximate and in thermal contact with the electrically conductive element includes material capable of changing color when heated to a predetermined transition temperature to form a mark on the temperature sensitive element. The fuse state indicator forms a first mark on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a first overcurrent condition, and forms a second mark, distinct from the first mark, on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a second overcurrent condition distinct from the first overcurrent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7839258
    Abstract: A fuse assembly capable of indicating whether the fuse is blown or not includes a fuse body formed therein with an accommodating space. The accommodating space is provided with two conductive terminals connected to each other via a metallic fuse. A light-emitting diode is inserted into an accommodating hole of the fuse body, thereby electrically connecting two electrodes of the light-emitting diode to the two conductive terminals. By the above arrangement, the light-emitting diode can be lighted up when the fuse body is blown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 7812704
    Abstract: A fuse comprising a fuse body having ferrules at opposing ends, a fuse state indicator located on the surface of the fuse body wherein the fuse state indicator may be temperature sensitive or voltage sensitive and a wire extending from one ferrule to the other ferrule wherein the wire is positioned along the surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator senses heat generated by the wire or voltage flowing through the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7772959
    Abstract: A fuse seat having light-emitting module includes an insulating body, two electricity-conducting pieces and a light-emitting module. The insulating body is arranged with an accommodating space, in which two electricity-conducting pieces are fixed respectively. A fuse is plugged into the accommodating space and connected conductively to the electricity-conducting pieces. The light-emitting module is hidden in the insulating body and is connected electrically to the electricity-conducting pieces, thus a cost-saving effect is thereby achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 7636028
    Abstract: Electrical fuse indicators which may be used to diagnose and identify a fault state or failure mode of the electrical fuse include in various exemplary embodiments, indicator materials such as a reactive material, which are incorporated into various fuse indicator devices to cooperate with a visually perceptible indicator portion or layer to indicate the failure mode or fault state if the electrical fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Rodseth, Stephen J. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7460004
    Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a case having a transverse top portion provided with a central receiving opening and two locating holes, and two wall portions downward extended from a middle part of the transverse top portion to define a receiving space therebetween for communicating with the receiving opening and locating holes; a cutout unit having two conducting plates connected via a bridge portion, and being inserted in the receiving space with the conducting plates engaged with the locating holes and partially projected from two longitudinal edges of the wall portions; and a bipolar LED mounted in the receiving opening and having a conducting portion in contact with two pins of the cutout unit, and a light source. In an overcurrent state, the bridge portion is burned out, and current flows through the bipolar LED for the same to emit light as a cutout warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Photo-Top Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Lin Yang
  • Publication number: 20080272878
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a circuit breaking link status and reporting system. The system includes a power source and a circuit breaking link in communication therewith. An electrical outlet is in interruptible power supply communication with the circuit breaking link. A sensor is in interruptible electrical communication with the circuit breaking link and configured to generate a signal indicating whether the circuit breaking link is open. A local processor communicates with the sensor and is configured to determine whether the circuit is open. A communications bus is in communication with the local processor and configured to receive signals from the local processor. A processor is in communication with the local processor through the communications bus and configured to receive information regarding the status of the circuit breaking link. A communications port is in communication with the processor and configured to send information regarding the status of the circuit breaking link over a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Brian P. Auclair
  • Patent number: 7405646
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuse having opened-fuse indication, which places two or more coils or conductors in parallel and in thermal contact with an indicating material. The multiple conductors allow a lower level of current to produce sufficient heat or sufficient electrical resistance to transform the indicating material. The multiple conductors can also be made of a reduced diameter, resulting in surge protection at a lower device temperature. The multiple conductor indicator in an embodiment includes a base material. First and second conductors contact the base material. An indicating material thermally couples to the first and second conductors. The indicating material can be on the inside or outside of the fuse body. If on the outside, the body can define a recess, wherein the indicator resides within the recess. The indicator can operate with fuses and other types of circuit protection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc
    Inventors: John Kennedy, Tom Novak, Mark Klinger, William Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7394343
    Abstract: A handheld device having a lamp for testing and clipping a blade fuse includes a handle having two probes extended therefrom, a clamp formed on one end of the handle, and an indicator for indicating the condition of the fuse. One of the probes is movably disposed on the handle, thereby allowing the adjustment of separation between two probes. Finally, one side of the handle includes a first lamp, which is disposed parallel to the probes and is electrically connected to the circuit board for illuminating the fuse to be tested. The other side of the handle includes a second lamp, which is disposed parallel to the clamp and is electrically connected to the circuit board for illuminating the fuse to be pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventors: Wen-Tsung Cheng, Wen-Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 7369029
    Abstract: An electrical fuse and method therefor includes a protective body, terminal elements extending from said protective body, and a primary fuse element extending within said protective body and electrically connected between the terminal elements, and an identification element configured to transmit a wireless signal to a remote device for determining an operational state of said primary fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Marvin Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7369030
    Abstract: A fuse state indicator includes an extension member, a secondary fuse link coupled to the extension member, and a contact pin configured to engage a first terminal element of a fuse. An end of the secondary fuse link is wrapped around the pin and establishes an electrical connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Matthew R. Darr
  • Patent number: 7362207
    Abstract: A limiter includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface, a line terminal, a load terminal, a fusible conductor electrically connected between the line and load terminals and an indicator button disposed proximate the first surface. The button includes a first end and a second end having a first opening, a second opening and a conduit therein between the first and second openings. The fusible conductor passes from the first terminal, through the first opening, through the conduit, through the second opening, and to the load terminal. A spring biases the button away from the first surface. The fusible conductor, when electrically connected between the line and load terminals, holds the second end proximate the first surface. The spring, when the fusible conductor is electrically disconnected from one or both of the terminals, moves the button away from the first surface and toward the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Malingowski, Ramon J. Ojeda, Mark A. Janusek
  • Patent number: 7312689
    Abstract: A fuse includes an insulative body, a primary fuse element extending within the body, a fuse state indicator extending on an exterior surface of the body and electrically connected in parallel with the primary fuse element, and first and second ferrules coupled to opposing ends of the fuse body and electrically connecting the primary fuse element and the fuse state indicator. At least one of the ferrules includes a recessed contact area establishing electrical connection to the fuse state indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: John Marvin Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7126488
    Abstract: Herein provided is a method and apparatus that allows a pre-existing fuse housing to be easily modified and adapted to include a blown fuse indicator light thereon. Whereby when the fuse housing and light in combination are installed within an electrical circuit and if the fuse is no longer functional, the light will automatically illuminate so as to visually notify a user that the fuse needs to be replaced. Also, any suitable light source may be used, such as an LED, a cartridge type having end contacts, a long lasting reusable incandescent lamp, fiber optics, neon, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Galen J. May
  • Patent number: 6956459
    Abstract: A blown fuse proximity sensing device 40 is for use with a rectifying wheel 37 of a type including rectifying diodes 38 and associated fuses 42. Each fuse 42 may include a housing 51, a fuse element 52 carried by the housing, and a pop-out indicator 54 movable between a normal position and a popped-out position. In the popped-out position, the indicator 54 extends outwardly from the housing responsive to failure of the fuse element. At least one stationary proximity sensor 44 is mounted adjacent the rectifying wheel 37 for sensing positions of the pop-out indicators 54 without contact therewith during rotation of the rectifying wheel to thereby sense at least one blown fuse. The sensing device 40 may also include a local display 61, and a controller 68 connected to the stationary proximity sensor 44 for generating an indication of a blown fuse on the local display. The controller 68 may also generate at least one remote output, such as to be monitored by other plant control equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Lau, Anand Banthia
  • Patent number: 6809627
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes an electrically conductive material that extends between conductive ends of a fuse and undergoes a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator also includes a layer of indicator material that becomes exposed beneath the electrically conductive material when the fuse indicator is subjected to electrical current above the threshold. The fuse indicator also includes adhesive for maintaining contact between the electrically conductive material and the layer of indicator material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: FLEXcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Patent number: 6753755
    Abstract: An electrical safety connector fuse for insertion into a two- or three-pin electrical socket comprises a sealed, tamper-proof housing having live and neutral apertures, and live and neutral receptacles for receiving the prongs of a plug, live and neutral prongs for insertion into the socket, and a fuse disposed within the housing. The connector fuse desirably has an internal light which lights up when the fuse is connected to a live socket, a blocking member or gate to prevent a user from receiving an electric shock by inserting objects into the live aperture of the fuse, and an insulting coating on at least a part of the live prong to prevent electric shocks as the fuse is inserted into a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Safer Home, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Montague
  • Patent number: 6720857
    Abstract: A fuse is provided that is suitable for operation in unusual environments and includes an operation indicator that is simple and reliable. A movable arcing tube is released during operation. As the arcing tube moves outside the fuse assembly, a latching spring moves into a receiving groove in the arcing tube to retain the arcing tube in the external operated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Glenn R. Borchardt, Jorge R. Montante, Martin A. Warszawa
  • Patent number: 6566996
    Abstract: A fuse state indicator includes a fuse casing having a transparent lens, a combustible substance disposed adjacent the lens, and a base layer disposed adjacent the combustible substance and having a contrasting color relative to the combustible substance. A secondary fuse indicating circuit is electrically connected to a main fuse circuit in parallel with a main fuse link, and includes a secondary fuse wire link which is disposed adjacent the combustible substance. Heat created upon vaporization of the secondary fuse link ignites the combustible substance and reveals the base layer through the lens after combustion, thereby indicating a state of the fuse as operable or inoperable by the color visible through the lens. Combustion may be assisted with an energetic chemical compound applied to secondary fuse wire link and combustible substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Douglass, Matthew Rain Darr, Michael Craig Henricks
  • Publication number: 20030011462
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes an electrically conductive material that extends between conductive ends of a fuse and undergoes a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator also includes a layer of indicator material that becomes exposed beneath the electrically conductive material when the fuse indicator is subjected to electrical current above the threshold. The fuse indicator also includes adhesive for maintaining contact between the electrically conductive material and the layer of indicator material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Michael F. Paul, James E. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Patent number: 6459357
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes an electrically conductive material extending between conductive ends of a fuse. The material undergoes a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator further includes a layer of indicator material that becomes exposed beneath the electrically conductive material when the fuse indicator is subjected to electrical current above the threshold. An adhesive means maintains contact between said fuse indicator and the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Patent number: 6456189
    Abstract: An electric fuse is comprised of a tubular fuse casing formed of an electrically insulating material. A first conductive component is attached to a first end of the casing and a second conductive component is attached to a second end of the casing. A first conductive path is formed through the tube between the first and second conductive components. The conductive path includes a fusible element having a first resistance. A second conductive path is formed along the exterior of the tubular fuse casing. The second conductive path is in parallel to the first conductive path and has a second resistance greater than the first resistance. The second conductive path includes an indicator component. The indicator component is comprised of first layer comprised of a colored material, and a second layer comprised of an electrically conductive material deposited onto the first layer. The second layer has a region of increased resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Ferraz Shawmut Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Mosesian, Robert Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6373370
    Abstract: An opened fuse indicator includes a substantially transparent lens, a transparent base, and a dark colored backing layer. A sputtered metal layer is formed on the transparent base to provide a light-colored electrically conductive surface including a narrowed portion that forms a fuse link that is visible against the dark background of backing layer when viewed through the transparent lens. The conductive sputtered metal layer is electrically connected to a pair of fuse terminals to form a secondary fuse circuit in parallel with a main fuse circuit. Current directed through the secondary fuse circuit after the main circuit opens melts the sputtered metal layer so that it is no longer visible against the dark colored backing layer and the fuse is thereby indicated as opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Dan Rowton
  • Patent number: 6292087
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes a conductive material adapted to extend between conductive ends of a fuse, and adapted to undergo a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator further includes an adhesive for maintaining contact between the conductive material and the conductive ends of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Publication number: 20010011939
    Abstract: An electrically conductive fuse element including fusible portions has a hinge portion provided at a middle portion thereof. A resin body is divided into resin body parts so that the resin body parts are provided around the fuse element in such a way as to be separated by the hinge portion. One of the resin body parts is bent from the hinge portion. The fuse element has abutting faces, against which the resin body parts are abutted in a bent state, and engaging means for the resin body parts. A connector housing is provided on the resin body part. Further, a terminal is provided at one of plate portions of the fuse element. Power supply connecting portions and terminal connecting portions are provided in the other plate portion connected to the plate portion through the hinge portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Inaba, Norio Matsumura, Yasuyuki Hama
  • Patent number: 6107908
    Abstract: A blown fuse commutator strip which is removably attachable to a pre existing plug-in type fuse, with the commutator strip having an indicator thereon which will notify the user that the fuse has blown and needs replacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Galen J. May
  • Patent number: 6008715
    Abstract: A fuse for interfacing electrical current with electronic components and for shielding the electronic components from potentially damaging electrostatic discharge. The fuse includes a fuse body having an edge and first and second electrical contacts. A fuse indicator is connected to one electrical contact and a fuse element extends between the indicator and the other contact for providing a conduit for operating current to reach the interfaced electronic components. A window is disposed on the edge of the fuse body and positioned over the fuse indicator. Sealant is disposed between the window edge and the fuse body edge to prevent the accumulation of air therebetween and, thereby, preventing such accumulated air from functioning as a transmission medium through which an electrostatic discharge can travel and reach the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Noah L. Gottfried, David John Pongracz, Steven J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6005484
    Abstract: A warning device of overload or overheat for the electric cords, cables, sockets comprisng with a, or some warning strips having evident colors at proper location on a PVC power cord, and having heat-sensing layers applied on the warning strips, whereby, when the power cord is overloaded with a large current, the copper wire thereof is gradually heated, and temperature on the PVC power cord is raised accordingly, then the dark heat-sensing layers become transparent gradually, and the colors of the sensing strips appear, so that an effect of detecting whether the electric cord is in overload, or overheat can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Frank Ko
  • Patent number: 5994993
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes a conductive material adapted to extend between conductive ends of a fuse, and adapted to undergo a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator further includes an adhesive for maintaining contact between the conductive material and the conductive ends of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Patent number: 5936508
    Abstract: A device for indicating the conducting state of a fuse includes a heat generating material for generating heat in response to an electrical input and adapted to be coupled electrically in parallel with a fuse, and a temperature responsive material thermally coupled to the heat generating material for providing a visually discernable response if heated above a threshold temperature by the heat generating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Parker
  • Patent number: 5886613
    Abstract: A pin indicating fuse construction incorporates a protective shield member that isolates an indicator assembly from a main-fuse link. By use of the inventive protective shield, arc-quenching filler may be excluded, resulting in a less-costly, more reliable fuse construction. The main fuse link is arranged within the fuse in such a manner so as to minimize potential interference with the actuator assembly during activation of the indicator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Donald Joseph Magoon, Keith Alan Overton, Ronald Emil Mollet
  • Patent number: 5874884
    Abstract: Apparatus to illuminate a light source when a fuse has blown and method of use. Apparatus including a circuit having: a power supply source, a switch, a load, a fuse housing containing a fuse and a light housing containing a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Galen J. May, Cathy D. Santa Cruz
  • Patent number: 5680089
    Abstract: A fuse in which molten metal can be positively held or retained in a housing when a fuse element melts, and the melting of the fuse element can be easily confirmed. The fuse includes the fuse element including opposite side portions respectively defining a pair of metal terminals which are connected together through an element having a fusible portion, and are disposed in a generally common plane, and a flap of a metal material which is bendable at the boundary between the flap and the element, an insulating member being formed on at least one face of the flap; and a housing including opposite side portions respectively defining a pair of terminal receiving portions for respectively receiving the pair of terminals, and a central portion defining an element receiving portion for receiving the element, the element receiving portion having an open portion at its upper side. When the flap is bent, that face of the flap having the insulating member formed thereon is exposed to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 5659283
    Abstract: An indicating fuse assembly includes an electrically non-conductive housing; an array of first and second electrically conductive contacts supported by the housing, each pair of first and second contacts being adapted for connecting a replaceable fuse, the contacts being connected in a powered circuit wherein each fuse, when connected between a respective pair of the contacts, is electrically series-connected with a load of the circuit; and a plurality of illuminators electrically connected within the housing for displaying open circuit conditions of corresponding ones of the fuses when the contacts are connected in the powered circuit, electrical current in the illuminators being limited to a minor fraction of a rated current of the corresponding loads. At least some the illuminators can include bipolar pairs of light emitting diodes for activation of the respective illuminators without regard to polarity of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Jose F. Arratia
  • Patent number: 5598138
    Abstract: A fault-indicating blade fuse includes a light-emitting electrical device that is positioned for ready visibility from above the fuse. The device lies within the bounds of the upper body profile of the fuse, and is so constructed and connected as to be activated upon fusion of the link, when the fuse is subjected to excessive current. In one form, a supplemental component contains a light-emitting electrical device and includes means for affixing it to the upper body portion of a fuse. Contact elements on the supplemental component establish electrical contact with the blades of the assembled fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph P. Jaronczyk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5559662
    Abstract: A fused disconnect switch including a plurality of maintenance and installation enhancing features is disclosed. For example, a bipolar LED is provided as an alarm indicator so that the fused disconnect switch will function in power distribution systems which operate on both positive and negative voltages. Additionally, a manual test tab is provided for checking the alarm circuitry and a viewing window is provided so that the presence or absence of a fuse in the fused disconnect device can be ascertained without removing the fuse holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Cooper Industries
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Happ, Conrad Alfaro
  • Patent number: 5113168
    Abstract: A fuse holder for flat mounting on the edge surface of a printed circuit board comprises a compartment for receiving a fuse assembly; coterminous contact pins which are locked in position and which can be inserted in corresponding apertures on the surface of the board and two locating bosses for anchoring the fuse holder on the board when the pins are inserted in said apertures and soldered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: San-O Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Carl E. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 5113169
    Abstract: A fuse assembly has snubber/indicators which are visible through translucent lenses provided within the fuse cover, for indication and inspection of the fuse operability. The snubbers provide a shearing load upon the fuse filament so as to more positively separate the fuse segments of a ruptured filament, which snubbers may also envelop and insulate the conductor posts and separate the ruptured fuse elements so as to inhibit arcing within the "blown" fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Ruehl, Bjarne Frederiksen, E. Grant Swick
  • Patent number: RE36317
    Abstract: An indicating fuse assembly includes an electrically non-conductive housing; an array of first and second electrically conductive contacts supported by the housing, each pair of first and second contacts being adapted for connecting a replaceable fuse, the contacts being connected in a powered circuit wherein each fuse, when connected between a respective pair of the contacts, is electrically series-connected with a load of the circuit; and a plurality of illuminators electrically connected within the housing for displaying open circuit conditions of corresponding ones of the fuses when the contacts are connected in the powered circuit, electrical current in the illuminators being limited to a minor fraction of a rated current of the corresponding loads. At least some the illuminators can include bipolar pairs of light emitting diodes for activation of the respective illuminators without regard to polarity of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Jose F. Arratia